Sarah Tew Photography

Kaitlin & Steve wanted a unique wedding– in short, they wanted to do it their own way and not be bothered by tradition or expectations.  They were delighted to book the Housing Works Bookstore in SOHO for their May wedding, and planned a sweet and personal ceremony that would be officiated by Steve’s friend Jules, who honored them later with a toast he delivered in multiple languages so that Steve’s family from abroad would be able to more easily understand. I met them a few hours beforehand and we did a round of portraits up by NYU where they met in college, and in Washington Square Park, which was meaningful to them.  We just happened to come across the piano player (only in New York will you find someone with the gumption to get his baby grand out into Washington Square Park just to play for tips) and I couldn’t resist having them practice their first dance for a few shots as he played.  We hopped in a cab and headed back down to Housing Works Bookstore where we shot all the family pictures before guests arrived.  The schedule of the evening was unique too– Kaitlin changed into a pretty blue dress and guests arrived in time for a pre-ceremony cocktail hour, which was followed by the ceremony, and a set of amazing toasts– the most noteworthy of which included an original song written and performed by the Groom’s father– how sweet!  How else was this wedding unique?  Well not only did they write their own vows (which is common these days)– but they each wrote the vows that their partner would make to them.  Pretty cool approach if you ask me!  Though no doubt this could be tricky to negotiate, they seemed to come up with some really smart and solid promises.  Their friend King Jang sang and played guitar for them at one point during the ceremony, and it was especially moving to see him sound so amazing after hearing that he’d been nervous to perform!  I was delighted to be a part of this special couple’s day.  Congratulations, Kaitlin & Steve!

Credits:  Rings from Tiffany, Bride’s hair by Michelina Albero, Flowers by Tony Montano, Catering at Housing Works Bookstore by The Works Catering, Event Design by Amanda O’Callaghan, DJ’ing by Jon Black of Scratch Weddings, and favors from Godiva.

Alison & Peter had gorgeous weather for their whirlwind of a wedding day– we took photos everywhere from their amazing rooftop with cityscape views to a fun local bar around the corner to the garden at the church they got married in, the lovely St. Luke in The Fields, and finally a few shots down in the South Street Seaport before heading to the evening reception.  I started in their apartment where Alison was getting ready (hair by Jackson, makeup by Lara DiPietro) while my 2nd shooter, Zack, hung out with the fellas, who were having a drink and later playing some pool while they waited for us.  Meanwhile I enjoyed making use of their unique decor in staging my still life images of the rings (see the alligator head below?  yeah!)  After putting on her gown by Lea Ann Belter, we headed out to meet Peter for their first look in the garden next to the church.  After a round of couple portraits I took care of the family group portraits and then took the wedding party back across the street to Barrow’s Pub for a fun shot around the pool table!  It was dark in there and I was thrilled that we got a few shots where everyone was looking and smiling and not blinking in the minutes we had to spare.  Alison & Peter hired an adorable Trolley to take the wedding party across town to the South Street Seaport for their reception at Bridgewaters.  If you are looking for a wedding band, look no further than Dexter Lake Club Band!  I don’t even know how to explain their skills.  This was not your typical wedding band, friends, this is a special group of musicians that has clearly found their calling inspiring guests of all ages to dance their asses off at weddings.  And dance they did!  A larger-scale wedding, these folks were no slouches– just about everyone was out on the floor at some point I think.  The reception was beautifully decorated with flowers and hanging candles by Maria of Pristine Events.   Their red velvet wedding cake (by Bridgewaters) was festooned with a winding trail of beautiful purple orchids also from the florist.  To cap off the night as they exited Bridgewaters guests were offered hot dogs and a copy of the Sunday New York Times on their way out.  What do we find in the wedding announcements section of said Times?  Why a sweet photo of Alison and Peter (by yours truly of course!).

Watch it nice and big on Vimeo!

Josh & Karen planned a beautiful and intimate wedding in the later stages of Karen’s pregnancy with their baby.  These two are so beautiful and sweet together, I can only imagine what a cool kid they are going to raise!  Josh is a successful actor (he played the adult “Simba” in The Lion King on Broadway for a spell!) and Karen is just the most sweet and upbeat people I’ve met in sometime, so I knew their creativity and warmth would be evident in the wedding day, and boy was I right!  The couple got ready at The Mondrian Hotel in SoHo, and were particularly excited for me to shoot their first look and couple portraits around the lobby and patios there…  What an awesome location for photography!  I was like a kid in a candy store– so many colorful backdrops and areas to shoot, I could have shot them there for another hour easily!   Of course we had a ceremony to get to– a few blocks away at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Now this is a big church, and dark– so I brought some extra lighting to use on the processional shots, and I think that helped a lot, though the tricky part is always getting one’s focus sharp on people (especially walking towards you) in a dark situation.  Success!  After some family portraits in the church an adorable red pedicab drove the couple off to their reception we walked around the block with my equipment to our final destination: Socarrat Paella Bar!  To say that I wished I was not vegetarian would be an understatement.  The look and smells of the food there were extremely tempting.  Of course I resisted, but I’m just saying, everyone had lots of good food to eat– it was a delicious luncheon-style reception for a delightful couple!  Congratulations, Karen & Josh– I wish all the best for you and your family!